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Founded: 14th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Estonia
Historical period: Danish and Livonian Order (Estonia)
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The tower-fortress was built in the second half of the 14th century of local limestone. Tower-strongholds were built by vassals to protect roads and waterways and to protect themselves against peasant uprisings. Construction of such tower-strongholds increased after the failed St. George's Night uprising by peasants in 1343.
In 1986, the fortress was restored under the leadership of Vao sovkhoz. Exhibition on the I floor introduces the history of Vao Tower-Fortress and Manor, and the surrounding villages. The II floor is a medieval dwelling that includes the washing area (place for washing hands), and dansker (dry toilet). The current furnishing imitates the pristine appearance of the room. The windows are of beautiful stained glass. The staircase in the wall leading to the cellar adds mysticism to the place. The III floor is enlivened by paintings created by the artist E.Veermäe which depict people in medieval clothing.
References:Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.
History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.
Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.
Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.